iOS 10 is out tomorrow – Here's what's new

News

While the iOS 10 beta has been available for some time, September 13 marks its official release. Apple says that this is the biggest iOS overhaul yet and that it’s packed with new features. Here’s what you need to know about iOS 10.

The new operating system will be pre-loaded onto the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, but you will be able to download it for older Apple devices. iOS 10 will work with the iPhone 5 or newer, while tablet owners will need to have an iPad 4th generation, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or newer.

iOS 10 is designed to be a more personal experience. You’ll be able to handwrite messages, or change the way that your message bubbles appear, allowing you to add a dash of personality or tone to messages. You’ll also be able to send a message in invisible ink, hiding the message until the recipient swipes it, or with animations when you say things like Happy Birthday or Congratulations.

Apple spent plenty of time looking at ways to improve Messages. You’ll be able to tapback to send one of six quick responses, which should convey how you’re feeling, and you can include a range of stickers, adding them on top of bubbles, photos, or other stickers.

When typing, you’ll be offered contextual predictions. That should make it easier to arrange a time to meet or to send a number onto someone. Meanwhile, if you feel that pictures say a thousand words, you can tap to swap words with emoji.

iPhones and iPads will soon be woken just by lifting the device and your notifications will be there waiting for you. Speaking of notifications, you’ll be able to view photos and videos, or respond to a message straight from your notifications.

Many of us record our life on our smartphones. iOS 10 will let you search photos by the people or things in them, while the Photos app will help you discover cherished memories and can even create movies out of them.

Apple’s Music app has also been refreshed, making it easier to enjoy your favourite songs. You’ll also be able to sing along, as lyrics are available while you’re listening to a song.

The Maps app has also been improved. It can now be used to make reservations, will offer suggestions for where you’re likely to go and the fastest way to get there, and you can search along your route, just in case you need to make a quick stop for fuel, food, or a coffee.

iOS 10 packs plenty of new features, and you’ll be able to try them all from tomorrow. It’s worth making a backup of your data, just in case something goes awry.